I have always had a passion for working with people, whether it’s collaborating with others to create something remarkable or working within a team to deliver positive outcomes for everyone involved. During my fifteen years, I found in all of that, I wasn’t making a difference with the people, nor the outcomes we were achieving. Please don’t get me wrong. We were doing great work and achieving great results. But I found there was something missing for me personally. That “making a difference” really stood out for me, so, I chose to venture down a different path, still completely aligned to working with people, but adding an asterisk to it, saying I was going to make a difference.
The Beginning
A few years later, my journey led me to mental health and wellbeing. I’ve always believed that prioritising your mental health and wellbeing means choosing yourself first. When you do that, everything else tends to fall into place. So, I choose mental health and wellbeing first, always. My journey into this world has been deeply personal and transformative. It’s a path that has not only shaped my professional life but also profoundly impacted my understanding of how external factors influence our internal states. I’d like to share a bit of my learning journey with you, in the hope that it might resonate and provide insight into your own experiences.
In recent years, mental health and wellbeing have become a prevalent topic of discussion. We all talk about external factors, such as social media, societal trends and the COVID-19 pandemic impacting our mental health and wellbeing significantly. The transformational changes in our world are leaving many of us feeling disengaged, anxious, stressed, depressed – name an emotion and it is attached to our mental health and wellbeing. In our own daily lives, we are faced with juggling a demanding job, personal relationships, and a myriad of responsibilities that often leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from ourself. It is during these times that we begin to notice how these external stressors affect our mental and emotional well-being. We experience anxiety, persistent stress, and a sense of being out of control. It became clear to me that the external pressures we face have significant impact on our internal state, leading to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and burnout.
Gaining Insight
As I explored, carried out further study, gained a world of knowledge and experience, I learnt that beyond these, our internal factors play a critical role in our ability to handle our ever changing world. These encompass a wide range of measures, starting with biological aspects such as genetics, brain chemistry, and overall physical health. These factors can directly affect our emotional responses and susceptibility to mental health conditions.
I further went on to learn that cognitive factors are equally significant, encompassing our thought patterns, beliefs, and interpretations of events. Our minds are truly fascinating! Distorted thinking, such as catastrophising or negative self-talk, can contribute significantly to feelings of anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges. Additionally, emotional intelligence—the ability to understand and manage our own emotions—plays a vital role in how we navigate stress and maintain emotional stability.
Then, there are our inherent personality traits. Our characteristics like resilience, optimism, and self-esteem buffer against stress, while traits like perfectionism or neuroticism may increase vulnerability to mental health issues. Our past experiences, including early childhood experiences and trauma, leave lasting imprints on our emotional responses and coping mechanisms. Our habits and lifestyle choices deeply affect our emotional well-being. Healthy behaviours like regular exercise, good sleep, and relaxation boost mental health. Additionally, our beliefs about purpose and meaning influence how we handle life’s challenges.
By recognising the need for change and addressing these internal factors, we can take proactive steps to enhance our mental health and well-being. This holistic approach highlights the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, and social influences on our emotional health, emphasising the importance of self-awareness and self-care in promoting lasting well-being. Recognising that we cannot always control external circumstances, but mastering techniques like mindfulness and self-care to regulate our responses to them serves as a valuable buffer between external stressors and our internal reactions. It’s a deeply rewarding and enlightening journey.
Inspired by my own positive learnings and self-reflection, I knew I wanted to make a difference and to help others navigate their own challenges and discover the resilience within themselves. Through my training and practice, I’ve encountered many individuals facing similar struggles, and I’ve seen firsthand how addressing both external and internal factors can lead to profound change and healing.
Conclusion
My journey into mental health and well-being has been a testament to the power of understanding and addressing the external factors that impact our internal states. It’s a journey that I continue to walk every day, and one that I’m passionate about sharing with others.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know that you’re not alone, and help is available. Together, we can explore the factors affecting your well-being and work towards a healthier, more balanced life. On that note, thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it inspires you to reflect on your own journey and consider the positive changes that self-awareness can bring.
